iPhone 18 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 mini
Quick answer
The iPhone 12 mini is 13.8 millimetres0.54 inches narrower and 114 grams4.02 ounces lighter than the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max on Amazon (paid link) just arrived with endurance the iPhone 12 mini (paid link) simply cannot match. While the mini slips into any pocket and costs a fraction when renewed, the new flagship is a commitment to a larger body and full price. Pick the mini for portability and savings, or the Pro Max for a day of use that never needs a charger.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone 12 mini
Pocket: iPhone 12 mini
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone 18 Pro Max
from $1,299 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)iPhone 12 mini
from $699 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
TRUE SCALE · 1.3 PX/MM
TRUE SCALE · 2.1 PX/MM
Hand: US Army ANSUR II, 2012 (sex-balanced median). Pockets: The Pudding, 2018. Card: ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1.
iPhone 18 Pro Max: 163.4 by 78 by 8.75 millimetres, 249 grams. iPhone 12 mini: 131.5 by 64.2 by 7.4 millimetres, 135 grams.
18 Pro Max, 12 mini shown at 2.1 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 18 Pro Max
from $1,299 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)iPhone 12 mini
from $699 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: 18 Pro Max 163.4 millimetres, 12 mini 131.5 millimetres.Height: 18 Pro Max 6.43 inches, 12 mini 5.18 inches.Width: 18 Pro Max 78.0 millimetres, 12 mini 64.2 millimetres.Width: 18 Pro Max 3.07 inches, 12 mini 2.53 inches.Depth: 18 Pro Max 8.75 millimetres, 12 mini 7.40 millimetres.Depth: 18 Pro Max 0.34 inches, 12 mini 0.29 inches.Weight: 18 Pro Max 249 grams, 12 mini 135 grams.Weight: 18 Pro Max 8.78 ounces, 12 mini 4.76 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 18 Pro Max | 12 mini |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 163.4 millimetres6.43 inches | 131.5 millimetres, 31.9 millimetres less5.18 inches, 1.26 inches less |
| Width | 78.0 millimetres3.07 inches | 64.2 millimetres, 13.8 millimetres less2.53 inches, 0.54 inches less |
| Depth | 8.75 millimetres0.34 inches | 7.40 millimetres, 1.35 millimetres less0.29 inches, 0.05 inches less |
| Weight | 249 grams8.78 ounces | 135 grams, 114 grams less4.76 ounces, 4.02 ounces less |
| Volume | 111.5 cubic centimetres6.81 cubic inches | 62.5 cubic centimetres, 49.0 cubic centimetres less3.81 cubic inches, 2.99 cubic inches less |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 91 percent | 85 percent, 5 percent less |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.9 inches | 5.4 inches, 1.5 inches less |
| Resolution | 1320 × 2868 | 1080 × 2340 |
| Pixel density | 460 pixels per inch | 476 pixels per inch, 16 pixels per inch more |
| Cutout | Dynamic Island | Notch |
| Rear main | 48MP Fusion, variable aperture f/1.48-f/4.0 | 48MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | 48MP Fusion f/2.2 | — |
| Rear telephoto | 48MP Fusion 100mm (4x optical, 8x optical-quality) | — |
| Front camera | 18MP Center Stage f/1.9 | 12MP |
| Chip | A20 Pro | A14 Bionic |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 45 hrs | 15 hrs |
| Port | USB-C | Lightning |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi 7 · Bluetooth 6 · Apple C2 modem | 5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Water resistance | IP68 (6m for 30 min) | IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 256 GB – 2 TB | 64 – 256 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 1,299 dollars | 699 dollars, 600 dollars less |
| Released | Sep 2026 | Nov 2020 |
| Status | Current | Legacy |
Dimensions
The iPhone 12 mini is 31.9 mm (1.26 in) shorter, 13.8 mm (0.54 in) narrower, 1.35 mm (0.05 in) thinner and 114 g (4.02 oz) lighter than the iPhone 18 Pro Max. The iPhone 18 Pro Max measures 163.4 × 78.0 × 8.75 mm (6.43 × 3.07 × 0.34 in) and weighs 249 g (8.78 oz). The iPhone 12 mini measures 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.40 mm (5.18 × 2.53 × 0.29 in) and weighs 135 g (4.76 oz).
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Questions about these phones
How much taller is iPhone 18 Pro Max than iPhone 12 mini?
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is 31.9 mm taller than the iPhone 12 mini. It is also 13.8 mm wider and 1.35 mm deeper.
What is the weight difference between these phones?
The iPhone 18 Pro Max weighs 249 g and the iPhone 12 mini weighs 135 g. This results in a 114 g weight difference between them.
How big is the screen on iPhone 18 Pro Max compared to iPhone 12 mini?
The iPhone 18 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch display while the iPhone 12 mini has a 5.4-inch screen. The difference is 1.5 inches of diagonal measurement.
Which phone is easier to use with one hand?
The iPhone 12 mini is easier to use with one hand than the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Its smaller body fits more comfortably in an average adult hand.
Do these phones fit in a jeans pocket?
The iPhone 12 mini fits in a typical men's and women's jeans pocket. The iPhone 18 Pro Max fits in a typical men's jeans pocket but not a women's.
Is the size upgrade from iPhone 12 mini to iPhone 18 Pro Max worth it?
Whether the size upgrade is worth it depends on your priorities for screen size versus portability. You should consider how much you value a larger display and battery.